What is the aim of the programme?

The primary aim of the programme is to provide support for project leaders with risky ideas and research projects for which the existing schemes are not suitable. The results of the programme are, of course, the results and impact of the projects supported, but also - and even more importantly - the dissemination of this particular practice of research, guided by risk-taking and the quest for impact.

How does the PIQ define risk-taking? Isn’t all research high-risk?

Of course, all research involves a degree of risk, and the issue is a subjective one. One possible way is to consider that an idea or research project can be seen as high-risk if it cannot be entrusted to a PhD student for fear that they will not be able to publish. This is a characteristic of the projects, and not a criterion for judging their value: of course, a team must also have less risky projects (otherwise we would no longer be able to train PhD students). The PIQ perimeter covers these high-risk projects (which of course exist among other projects).

Does this mean that we can’t fund a PhD student in a PIQ project?

The recruitment of PhD students should be considered exceptional and is particularly scrutinized during the selection process. If the risk of the PIQ project relies too heavily on the doctoral student, or if the project is solely aimed at financing a thesis, the project may be rejected. It is however possible to fund a PhD student in a PIQ project if pertinent to the project and if it’s out of the riskiest track and moments of the project.

How does the PIQ define impact? Is PIQ a programme aimed at innovation?

The PIQ defines impact as the ability to positively affect a large number of people, whether through the creation of wealth and employment, social change, advances in knowledge, education, etc. Innovation and transfer are just one way of having an impact.

Why is there a need for a new funding programme? How is the programme positioned in relation to other funding tools (ANR, EIC, ERC, etc.)?

The idea behind PIQ is based on the fact that some innovative ideas are unfortunately abandoned too quickly, because the people behind them are unable to convince others of their feasibility. Because of the very different way in which projects enter the programme and are monitored compared with existing programmes, PIQ makes it possible to support these ideas and projects at a very early stage compared with other programmes.

What is the overall budget for the programme?

€20 million for the first year. This amount should be put into perspective, as the programme is open to all scientists from all French research institutions.

There is no call for projects, applications are made on an ongoing basis, does this mean that at the end of the programme a project is less likely to succeed?

The terms and conditions may change over time, depending on the number of applications and the funding of the scheme.